First Act Guitar Amplifier

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect First Act Amp for Your Needs

The First Act Guitar Amplifier is a great option for beginner and intermediate guitarists looking for an affordable, quality amp. With different models available, it can be tricky to figure out which First Act amp is right for you. This comprehensive buying guide covers everything you need to know, from available models, features, pricing, and reviews, to help you make the perfect First Act Guitar Amplifier purchase.

First Act Guitar Amplifier Models

First Act offers a range of guitar amp models suitable for various skill levels and music genres. Their amps come in electric, acoustic, and bass varieties.

Some of the most popular First Act guitar amp models include:

• DISCovery Rockit: A 10-watt electric guitar practice amp good for beginners. It has basic controls and overdrive for playing rock music.
• Flat Top Acoustic: Designed for acoustic guitars, this 20-watt amp delivers clear, balanced tone with two channels and built-in effects.
• Shebang 100W: A versatile 100-watt amp for electric guitar with three customizable channels and digital effects like reverb, delay, chorus, and more.
• Thirty8 Bass: A 30-watt bass amp with a 6.5 inch speaker, two channels, and onboard overdrive to tailor your bass tone.
• GA10: A great 10-watt budget electric guitar amp for beginners with essential controls and overdrive.
• GA15R: This 15-watt electric guitar amp has built-in reverb and delay effects for practice and jamming.

First Act also makes mini guitar amplifiers for practicing on the go. The Spark and Rokit models are under 5 watts and battery powered.

Where to Buy a First Act Guitar Amplifier

You can find First Act guitar amplifiers both online and in music stores. Here are some of the top places to buy:

• Amazon: A wide selection of First Act amps available for competitive prices with fast shipping. Models like the Shebang 100W and Flat Top Acoustic are readily in stock.
• Musician’s Friend: Large inventory of First Act amp heads, combos, and full packages available. Frequent deals and financing offers.
• Guitar Center: Brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S. stock many First Act practice amps. You can try before you buy.
• Zzounds: Interest-free payment plans on First Act amplifiers make them more affordable. Fast and free shipping too.
• First Act Website: You can buy directly from First Act through their online store. Good source for accessory bundles.
• eBay: Find new and used First Act amps at discounted prices on eBay. Great for buying older or discontinued models.

First Act Guitar Amplifier Pricing

First Act guitars amps range in price from $30 to $300. Their practice amps for beginners fall on the lower end around $30 to $100. Mid-range models like the GA15R and Shebang 50W cost about $120 to $200. High-end First Act amps with extra power and features run up to $300.

The DISCovery Rockit practice amp is one of the most affordable at around $50. First Act’s large 100-watt Shebang amp comes in close to $300.

You can often find First Act amplifiers on sale from mainstream retailers. Having a budget of $100 to $200 will allow some flexibility in finding a good electric, acoustic, or bass guitar amp from First Act.

Key Features of the First Act Guitar Amplifier

First Act guitar amps come equipped with great features for practice, rehearsals, and small gigs. Here are some of the most useful amp features to look for:

• Channels: Multiple channels let you switch between clear and overdriven tones. Great for switching from rock to clean sounds.
• Equalization: Look for EQ knobs to shape treble, mid, and bass response. Essential for dialing in your ideal tone.
• Gain Control: Adds distortion at adjustable levels which is key for rock and metal playing.
• Headphone Jack: Plug in headphones for quiet practice. Usually a standard 1⁄4″ or 1⁄8″ headphone jack.
• AUX Input: Play along to songs on your smartphone or MP3 player. Very handy for practice.
• Effects: Many First Act amps have built-in effects like reverb and delay to add depth to your sound.
• Footswitch Jack: Allows channel switching with an optional foot pedal for convenience while playing.

Are First Act Amps Good for Beginners?

Yes, First Act guitar amplifiers are excellent for beginners. Models like the DISCovery Rockit and GA10 provide everything a new guitarist needs.

Here’s why First Act amps work well for beginners:

• Affordable pricing ranges from $30 to $100.
• Low wattage like 10 to 20 watts makes them ideal for bedroom practice.
• Easy to use controls for volume, gain, EQ sliders or knobs.
• Versatile for both electric and acoustic guitars.
• Portability thanks to small size and light weight.
• Built-in effects like overdrive, delay, and reverb come standard.
• Headphone jacks allow for quiet practice.

With their simple operation, good sound quality, and compact size, First Act amplifiers give beginners an ideal practice tool.

First Act Guitar Amplifier Reviews

First Act guitar amps earn mostly positive reviews for their value, versatility, and ease of use. Here are some excerpts from popular review sites:

• “The First Act DISCovery amplifier is a great practice amp, especially for beginners. I was able to get some pretty gnarly distortion sounds out of it on the overdrive channel.” – GuitarFella
• “For a low cost, the First Act Flat Top Acoustic amp delivers transparent, balanced tone perfect for acoustic guitars. The dual channels provide flexibility whether fingerpicking or strumming.” – The Hub
• “The Shebang 100W is one of the best modeling amps I’ve tried in its price range. The built-in effects like flanger, phaser, and delay work great and are fully adjustable.” – Harmony Central
• “I bought the First Act GA15R for my son to learn on. For a 15 watt amp, it pumps out decent volume with nice vintage sounding built-in reverb.” – Customer review

While not for pro performing, First Act’s amps work very well for practice and small gigs at their budget-friendly price points. Most reviewers agree they offer great value.

Setting Up Your First Act Guitar Amp

Setting up a First Act guitar amp is quick and easy, perfect for beginners. Follow these steps:

1. Place the amp on a sturdy surface like a table or stand. Make sure the vents aren’t blocked for air flow.
2. Plug in the amplifier using the included power cable.
3. Connect your guitar to the amp using a 1/4″ instrument cable from your guitar output jack to the amplifier input.
4. Start with the volume, gain, and tone settings turned down low.
5. Power on the amp and gradually raise the volume to your desired listening level.
6. Adjust the gain and EQ controls to taste for your preferred tone. More gain means more overdrive distortion.
7. Add effects like reverb or delay if available on your model.
8. Connect headphones or plug in your media player to the AUX input for quiet practice.

With just a few connections, you’ll be ready to start playing through your First Act guitar amp!

Portability of First Act Guitar Amplifiers

A major benefit of First Act’s guitar amplifiers is their lightweight, portable design. Many models weigh under 15 pounds, making them easy to transport.

For example, the battery powered Spark mini practice amp weighs only 3 pounds. The GA10 10-watt electric guitar amp weighs just 11 pounds.

This makes First Act amplifiers very easy to carry to practices, jams, or small gigs. Many models have a convenient carry handle as well. The small combo design with an integrated speaker is perfect for moving around.

Being able to toss a mini First Act practice amp like the Rokit or Spark in your backpack allows playing on the go. The portability really enhances the practice and jamming possibilities.

First Act Guitar Amp Power Output

First Act guitar amplifiers range from about 5 watts for mini practice models up to 100 watts for larger combos suitable for small venues.

Here are some examples of First Act amp power outputs:

• Spark Mini Amp: 3 watts
• GA10 practice amp: 10 watts
• GA15R: 15 watts
• Shebang 50W: 50 watts
• Shebang 100W: 100 watts

In general, amps 15 watts and under are best suited to home practice. Models in the 50 to 100 watt range have enough power for rehearsals and gigs.

Higher wattage doesn’t necessarily mean louder volume though. A 15-watt tube amp can still generate substantial sound in a bedroom or studio.

Consider your practice needs and situations where you’ll use the amp when deciding on power output. Aim for lower wattage for just home use.

Caring for Your First Act Guitar Amp

With proper care and maintenance, a First Act guitar amplifier will provide years of great tone. Follow these tips:

• Keep the amp dry: Exposure to moisture can damage the electronics. Don’t leave out in rain.
• Allow ventilation: Give at least 6 inches clearance around the back and sides so the amp can stay cool.
• Handle with care: Avoid dropping or bumping the amp, especially when moving it.
• Clean with a dry cloth: Wipe down the exterior periodically to remove dust and dirt buildup.
• Inspect wires: Replace any frayed or damaged cables right away.
• Keep volume moderate: Running at very high volumes can shorten the amp’s life.
• Store properly: When not using for a while, keep in a temperature controlled environment.
• Service annually: Have a qualified tech inspect the components and calibration yearly.

Following these care guidelines will maximize the lifespan of your First Act guitar amplifier. Be sure to keep the manual on hand for reference.

Discounts on First Act Guitar Amplifiers

First Act guitar amps are already very fairly priced for beginner and intermediate players. But you can sometimes find them at discounted prices if you keep an eye out for sales.

Here are some tips for finding discounts:

• Check music retailer sites for coupons and promo codes you can apply at checkout. Sign up for their newsletters and alerts.
• Look for holiday sales around Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc. Music gear often goes on sale during major holidays.
• Buy a demo or open box model from a store for potentially 10% or more off retail price. Items are functionally new.
• Shop end of model year sales in late fall as stores clear older inventory before new stock comes in.
• Buy used through Reverb or eBay to save money, but test gear first.

With some strategic timing, you can often save $20+ on a First Act practice amp. Even a small discount is helpful for gear purchases.

How First Act Guitar Amps Compare to Other Brands

First Act guitar amps compete well with other entry level practice amp brands like Fender, Marshall, Vox, and Peavey.

Some advantages of First Act amplifiers include:

• Lower cost for comparable features in most cases
• Lighter weight designs improve portability
• More wattages available in the sub-50W range
• Multiple channels on most models
• Built-in effects like reverb without needing separate pedals
• AUX connectivity on all models for playing along with music
• Headphone jacks for quiet practice

Fender, Vox, and Marshall do offer some more versatile amps, but they come at about a 50% price premium. Overall, First Act amps provide better value for budget-minded beginners and intermediate players.

Buying Replacement Parts for First Act Amps

The main parts that typically may need replacement on a First Act guitar amp include:

• Power tubes
• Fuses
• Knobs and switches
• Speaker
• Patch cables

Many music retailers sell compatible replacement parts for First Act amps. Bring your model number along to find the right components.

Some top spots to source replacement parts include:

• TubeDepot: For power amp tubes, preamp tubes, and fuses.
• Full Compass: Fuses, switches, jacks, knobs, and cables.
• Parts Express: Speakers and cones for combos amplifiers.
• Guitar Parts Resource: Knobs, corner protectors, grills, base cabinets.

Check the First Act website as well since they sell some standard replacement parts directly. Investing a few dollars into a new tube or fuse can often get your amp running again.

First Act Guitar Amplifier Warranty

First Act provides a 1-year limited warranty on new guitar amplifiers purchased from an authorized dealer. This covers defects in materials and workmanship.

The warranty is non-transferable, so only the original purchaser can make a claim. Make sure to register your amp on the First Act website soon after buying.

For a warranty repair, you’ll need to cover shipping costs back to First Act. They’ll service and return the unit at no charge. Any damage from misuse, mods, or accidents voids the coverage.

Extended third party warranties up to 3 years are also available for purchase if you want coverage beyond the standard 1-year period.

Connecting Your Guitar to a First Act Amp

It only takes an instrument cable to connect your electric or acoustic guitar to a First Act amplifier. Just follow these quick steps:

1. Power on your First Act amp first before plugging in the guitar.
2. Plug one end of a 1/4″ instrument cable into the output jack of your guitar.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into the input jack on the amplifier.
4. Set the source switch to the channel with your guitar plugged in.
5. Start playing and dial in the amp volume and tone controls to your liking!

That’s all there is to it – no adapters, interfaces, or configurations required. Plug your guitar straight into the First Act amp input jack and make sure the volume isn’t too high before starting.

Are First Act Guitar Amps Durable?

First Act guitar amplifiers have solid durable construction that withstands frequent use. Their amps contain quality components and materials to deliver years of enjoyment.

Here are some examples of the durable design:

• Wooden enclosures made from plywood rather than cheap particle board. Sturdy and resistant to bumps.
• Metal grilles over the speakers for protection from wear.
• Corner protectors provide reinforcement against drops and impact.
• Reinforced jack plates so jacks stay secure with regular plugging/unplugging of cables.
• High-grade electrical components avoid issues like overheating or short circuiting.
• Rugged carrying handles tested to hold substantial weight during transport.

While not road rugged like professional amps, First Act’s practice amps will take normal wear and tear in stride. They live up to the demands of continuous play.

First Act Guitar Amp Color Options

First Act guitar amps come in a variety of fun colors to suit your style, including:

• Classic Black
• Cherry Red
• Electric Blue
• Pearl White
• Sparkle Silver
• Wood grain finishes

The colors differ somewhat between models. For example, the Shebang 50W comes in blue, red, or silver while the DISCovery Rockit amp only comes in black.

Limited edition colors are released occasionally as well. You may find unique finishes like purple sparkle or neon green on select amps.

While the sounds they produce is most important, the color options add a nice touch of customization. Go with a classic black or choose a bold blue, red, or silver amp combo.

What Comes in the Box? Accessories

A First Act guitar amp ships with everything you need to get started playing:

• Guitar amplifier unit
• Power cord
• Instructions manual
• Some include instrument cable
• Amp feet
• Warranty card

Optional accessories like footswitches for channel selection and replacement power cords are sold separately.

However, the amplifier, power cable, and instructions are included in new packages. Some bundles may also include a free instrument cable for connecting to your guitar.

No bells and whistles, just the core components to start jamming. But you can always add pedals, cables, and more down the road.

Troubleshooting First Act Guitar Amplifier Issues

Here are some common issues and solutions for troubleshooting problems with a First Act guitar amp:

No power:

• Check power cable connections at both ends
• Try a different power outlet
• Test or replace the fuse

No sound:

• Confirm volume and gain knobs are turned up
• Try different instrument cables
• Plug guitar into different amp to test

Noise/hum:

• Eliminate ground loops and use proper power outlet
• Keep away from electrical interference
• Clean jack contacts with electrical spray

Distorted sound:

• Turn down the gain if too overdriven
• Adjust EQ settings on amp
• Move amp away from objects causing vibration

No headphone output:

• Check headphone cable connection
• Test headphones on a different audio device
• Possible bad headphone jack, may need replacement

If problems persist, consulting the factory manual or an experienced guitar tech can help troubleshoot further. But trying basic steps first often resolves common issues.

Beginner Tutorials for Using First Act Amps

Here are some great beginner tutorials for learning how to use a First Act guitar amplifier:

First Act’s YouTube Channel – Official tutorial videos cover amp settings, effects usage, and tone tips.

Ultimate Guitar – This website has step-by-step text and video lessons for First Act amps models like the DISCovery and Shebang.

Premier Guitar – Their in-depth beginner amp guide helps understand all the various controls and how to dial in great tone.

JustinGuitar – Popular free lessons for getting started with your first guitar amp including how to connect and basic settings.

Guitar Tricks – Their forum contains many user-submitted tips for beginners learning on First Act practice amps.

With these free resources, any new guitarist can quickly pick up skills for operating a First Act amp. Learning proper gain staging and EQ adjustment is made simple.

The Takeaway on Buying a First Act Guitar Amp

Hopefully this comprehensive guide gives you all the knowledge to find the perfect First Act guitar amplifier.

Focus on your budget, power and features needed, and preferred tone. Compare models, read reviews, and look for sales. With the right First Act amp, you can start playing and practicing anywhere with great guitar tone.